A Truly Grand Vacation: Or Is That Just a Myth

It was 7:00 A.M. The sun was shining at the edges of the closed curtains. I rolled over and remembered I was on vacation.

The vacation I'd spent months planning. We were in Maui and staying at the Grand Wailea, one of the most exclusive resorts on the island. I'd dreamt of coming here for years. I worked tirelessly with no days off leading up to the trip. I was burnt out and desperately needed to get away, recharge, and refresh. My body ached, and a headache pounded behind my eyes. Too many hours in front of the computer will do that to you. I spent the entire flight working while my family slept.

Finally, I quietly climbed out of bed and made a beeline for the hotel coffee maker.

Work Gets in the Way: Has My Vacation Been Hijacked?

As the coffee brewed, I glanced at my cell phone, which was plugged in and charging. I grabbed the coffee and my phone and tiptoed out to the balcony. Before I even took a sip, an email caught my attention.

The real estate deal I had been working on for months was in jeopardy. There was an inspection issue threatening the whole deal. I had someone covering for me, but this was too big for anyone to handle. I needed to step in and fast! I sent a quick email to my fellow agent. One led to another, and I was in full-on work mode before I knew it.

My daughter woke up and ran out to the balcony with a big smile. "Mommy, we're here! Look at the water; it's so pretty! Can we go to the beach?" She was loud and excited. And rightfully so; we were in paradise. Instead of peeking over my laptop, taking in the beautiful scene below, I snapped, "Not now; I have to make a call. Keep your voice down!" The look in her eyes should have stopped me in my tracks. But instead, I picked up the phone and made the call.

I spent the rest of the "vacation" working. At the end of each day, I needed a drink to relax. I was in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and I didn't create one amazing memory. Not one.

Do You Let Work Get In The Way?

This wasn't the first time work ruined a vacation for me. But not just me, for my entire family. Who wants to spend time with someone who isn't really there? Physically I was there, but not mentally.

Those were my lost days, my workaholic days. Taking a Vacation vs. Enjoying a Vacation. There's a big difference between going on vacation and going on vacation. You can get on a plane, hop in your car, and physically go somewhere. But if you aren't present, if you aren't drinking in every memory, and instead you're working or thinking about work, that's not a vacation. That's working remotely.

What do you think of when you hear the word vacation? Do you picture yourself sitting on a beach with a book in one hand and a drink in the other? Or does your mind immediately go into excuse mode: I'm too busy. I can't take time off. In my workaholic phase, I longed for a vacation and would dream about where I wanted to go and even go as far as researching and booking trips. But once I got there, all I did was work. What a complete waste of time and money. I am ultimately defeating the purpose of a vacation.

Decide To Make A Change: Go On A Real Vacation

If you don't read anything else on this page, please hear these words "You can take a vacation and not work," AND You will be more successful if you do. It took me a long time to understand and believe this, but it's true. Think of it as charging your phone or laptop. You need to plug them in before the battery dies. Your body and mind are no different. You have to allow time to recharge.

Creating memories on vacation by being present is one of the best things you can do, and you'll be glad you did. So plan and take a vacation, be present and create memories. You work hard and deserve it!

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Paula Marie is a published author, successful realtor, and entrepreneur. Paula's mission is to empower others to manage their time and mindsets to live an extraordinary life! With Paula's eight powerful tools and life planning strategies, you can create the life you truly desire.